Did he beat his way across the continent and go back with Columbus?

He was off on a run, beating his way through the gathering life of the day.

She kicked, fighting against his strength, trying to beat her way free.

"Maybe it was over more to the left," he suggested, beating his way in that direction.

She has to beat her way back alone down the icy street.

Out over the lake he beat his way, not trying any high soaring as yet.

"At least we won't have to beat our way through the brush."

Hot, hasty words beat their way to the surface of his mind.

She began to beat her way along the inside of the wall, face turned to look up hopefully at the top.

It was the canoe he'd left to beat his way along the shore.